Sielmat/Imphal (Hilldigest.com): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has axed six ministers from his cabinet.
The ministers who lost their portfolios include 3 BJP leaders, 2 from the National People’s Party and 1 from the Lok Janshakti Party.
In return, a hurriedly organised and low-key swearing-in event for fice new ministers were held in the evening. The new cabinet ministers are S Rajen Sayabrata, Vungzagin Valte (both BJP) and two former Congress MLAs Okram Henry and Oinam Lukhoi Singh. Their portfolios have not been announced.
One cabinet berth is yet to be filled at the time of filing this report. Sources said this is being done to accommodate a dissident who could cause another political cyclone for the BJP-led government in the state.
The dropped ministers include: V Hankhalian, Nemcha Kipgen and Thokchom Radheshyam Singh (all BJP) – and two ministers of ally NPP Jayanta Kumar Singh and N Kayisii, and one from LJP Karam Shyam. Kipgen, incidentally, was the lone woman minister in Biren’s 12-member cabinet.
The two former Congress leaders inducted in today’s ceremony were said to be instrumental in saving the BJP in the recently held Rajya Sabha election.